Cynara scolymusCynara scolymus

Cynara scolymus

Cynara scolymus

1. artichoke plant

1. artichoke plant

1. Cynara scolymus
2. artichoke plant

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Asterids

Aster family

1. Flower bud
2. Bracts

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is an impressive, thistle-like plant valued for its edible flower buds. It requires a sunny, sheltered location and deep, nutrient-rich soil. Cultivation is usually done from seed indoors, with planting out into the open field after the last frosts. Regular watering and fertilizing are essential for a good harvest. The flower buds are harvested before they open and can be used in various culinary ways. Artichokes require frost protection in winter.

1. TaskSow seeds indoors

   Label

   Sow indoors/in greenhouse

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2

   Conditionindoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow in pots or trays.

1. TaskSow seeds indoors

   Label

   Sow indoors/in greenhouse

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionindoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Further sowing if needed.

1. TaskHarden off seedlings

   Label

   Harden off seedlings

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Gradually acclimatize plants to outdoor temperatures.

2. TaskPlant out seedlings

   Label

   Plant out seedlings

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   After the last frosts, with adequate spacing.

1. TaskPlant out seedlings

   Label

   Plant out seedlings

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant further seedlings if needed.

2. TaskMulch

   Label

   Mulch

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

1. TaskWater regularly

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Especially during dry periods.

2. TaskFertilize

   Label

   Fertilize

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   With organic fertilizer or compost.

3. TaskWeed control

   Label

   Weed control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Keep the bed free of weeds.

1. TaskWater regularly

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Especially during dry periods.

2. TaskFertilize

   Label

   Fertilize

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   With organic fertilizer or compost.

3. TaskWeed control

   Label

   Weed control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Keep the bed free of weeds.

4. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest the flower heads before they open.

1. TaskWater regularly

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Especially during dry periods.

2. TaskFertilize

   Label

   Fertilize

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   With organic fertilizer or compost.

3. TaskWeed control

   Label

   Weed control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Keep the bed free of weeds.

4. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest the flower heads before they open.

1. TaskWater regularly

   Label

   Water regularly

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   If needed, especially during dry spells.

2. TaskFertilize

   Label

   Fertilize

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A light feeding can extend the harvest.

3. TaskWeed control

   Label

   Weed control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Keep the bed free of weeds.

4. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest the flower heads before they open.

1. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Final harvest before the first frost.

2. TaskCut back plant

   Label

   Cut back spent stems

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Remove dead plant parts.

3. TaskPrepare winter protection

   Label

   Prepare winter protection

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Protect from hard frost, e.g., with leaves or fleece.

1. TaskApply winter protection

   Label

   Apply winter protection

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 11

   Conditionoutdoors

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Ensure plants are well protected.

Sunny to partially shaded

Wind-protected

Deep, loose, humus-rich, well-drained

Prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-protected location. Good protection from cold winds is important.

Nutrient-rich, deep, well-drained

Loosen soil deeply and enrich with compost. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Artichokes are heavy feeders and require nutrient-rich soil. Good drainage is essential.

Regularly, especially during dry periods

At the root collar, avoid wetting the foliage

Consistent moisture is important for developing flower heads. Avoid waterlogging.

Heavy feeder, requires abundant nutrients

Before planting and during the growth phase

Compost, well-rotted manure, organic liquid fertilizers.

Regular feeding promotes strong growth and good yields. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Artichokes are perennial and require a permanent location. Do not plant in the same spot every year to prevent soil fatigue.

1. Slugs
2. Sucking insects (aphids, spider mites)
3. Beetles

1. Fungal diseases (mildew, grey mold)
2. Bacterial diseases (rare)
3. Root diseases (due to waterlogging)

1. Site selection: Sunny, wind-protected, well-drained soil.
2. Soil care: Nutrient-rich, humus-rich, avoid waterlogging.
3. Plant health: Adequate spacing, good ventilation, appropriate watering and fertilization.
4. Winter protection: Timely and sufficient protection from frost.
5. Crop rotation: 3-4 year break in the same location.
6. Variety selection: Prefer frost-hardy varieties.

Accurate diagnosis requires observing symptoms such as leaf discoloration, feeding damage, fungal attack, or growth disorders. The combination of symptoms and environmental conditions aids identification.

1. Slugechter-mehltau

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Poor ventilation
   3. Fluctuating temperatures

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Ensure good ventilation
   2. Standortwahl (sonnig)
   3. Choose resistant varieties (if available)
   4. Remove affected parts early
2. Sluggrauschimmel

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Poor air circulation
   3. Injured plant parts

   Affected parts

   1. Flower heads
   2. Leaves
   3. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Remove and dispose of infected plant parts immediately
   2. Ausreichender Pflanzabstand
   3. Avoid injuries
3. Slugwurzelfaeule

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. Heavy, compacted soils
   3. Poor drainage

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Plant base

   Prevention

   1. Choose a site with good drainage
   2. Boden verbessern (Kompost, Sand)
   3. Avoid waterlogging

1. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves and stems

   Possible causes

   1. echter-mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check humidity
   2. Assess plant ventilation
2. Symptom

   Gray, fuzzy coating on flower heads and leaves, often with a rotten smell

   Possible causes

   1. grauschimmel

   First checks

   1. Check for moisture and wetness on affected areas
   2. Look for plant injuries
3. Symptom

   Wilting plants, yellowish discoloration of lower leaves, rot at the roots

   Possible causes

   1. wurzelfaeule

   First checks

   1. Check soil moisture (waterlogging?)
   2. Carefully expose roots and examine for rot

1. Germination
2. Growth
3. Flowering
4. Fruiting (seeds)
5. Dormancy

Artichokes are perennial and develop into robust plants in the first year, flowering and fruiting in the second. The flowering period extends over several months.

Single harvest per flower head, but multiple flower heads per plant over the season.

1. Flower buds are firm and closed.
2. The outer bracts begin to spread slightly.
3. The size of the flower head is suitable for the intended use.

Store flower heads cool after harvest to delay opening. Dry or process leaves immediately after harvest.

Cool and dark

Fresh: a few days in the refrigerator. Frozen: several months. Dried: up to 1 year.

1. Boiling
2. Steaming
3. Pickling (in vinegar or oil)
4. Freezing
5. Drying (leaves for tea or tinctures)

1. Flower bud base (heart)
2. Inner, tender parts of the bracts

1. Choke (the fine hairs inside the flower head)
2. Outer, tough parts of the bracts
3. Stems (raw)

The artichoke is generally recognized as safe and edible. No toxic properties are known.

Raw consumption of the flower heads is possible but often less palatable and harder to digest than cooked artichokes. The leaves are bitter raw and are mostly used for medicinal purposes.

To obtain true-to-type seed, an isolation distance of at least 500 meters from other Cynara species or varieties is necessary, as artichokes are cross-pollinated. Allow only the healthiest and strongest plants to flower. Seeds mature after the flower head has faded and dried. Harvest seeds before they are lost due to moisture.

Artichokes are perennial plants that should be pruned back after harvest and protected in winter.

Artichokes can serve as a food source for pollinators like bees and bumblebees when they flower. However, the flower buds themselves are usually inaccessible to insects before harvest time.